Description
A hearty and comforting hobo casserole featuring ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy mushroom soup base topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a family dinner, combining savory flavors and a cheesy finish baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onion: In a skillet or large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Add Potatoes and Mix: Stir in the thinly sliced potatoes, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, ensuring a balanced flavor.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the combined ingredients to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes become tender and absorb the flavors.
- Preheat Oven: While the mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking, then pour the beef and potato mixture evenly into the dish, spreading it out for uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, ensuring a cheesy layer that will melt and brown beautifully.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Bake until the cheese on top is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, indicating a perfectly cooked casserole.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and avoid burning.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor.
- Using Yukon Gold or red potatoes works best as they hold their shape well during cooking.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for added nutrition and color.
- To reduce fat, use lean ground beef and low-fat cheese options.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking cold.
